Support the Arts…

Thanks so much to Jessica Lyons for connecting the dots and to everyone at the Weekly for giving this story so much space and prominence! (“From kindergarten to community college, art education budgets are being slashed to the bone,” June 2-8). We hope you will all become inspired to take action – at your local school, in your community, or by joining our new task force: Monterey County Arts Education Alliance. It is not too late! Please visit us at www.artsformontereycounty.org. - Paulette Lynch | Monterey


(Note: Ms. Lynch is executive director of The Arts Council for Monterey County.)


… But Remember the Basics


While it is disappointing to see people lose the access to these arts programs, I believe there is a more urgent need to make certain we maintain a basic public education foundation. (“From kindergarten to community college, art education budgets are being slashed to the bone,” June 2-8). - Hal Raimey | via Web


Power Exchange


It’s ironic: PG&E is dragging its feet on paying out the cash credits promised to people who have gone through the trouble and expense of installing solar, and who end up producing so much electricity they’re able to put some back into the grid; while at the same time the utility took out full-page ads apologizing for last year’s San Bruno explosion that killed eight people and destroyed 38 homes. (“Small-scale solar energy producers are still waiting for their PG&E payout,” June 2-8). Last month, PG&E apologized for the way it handled Smart Meter installation, too. How about better management, fewer apologies? - Anton Redol | Salinas


Ord Memories


I was one of the 2 million veterans that served and trained at Fort Ord, in 1966 (“New activist group fights to push development off the remaining oak groves – and onto paved eyesores – on the former Fort Ord,” May 26-June 1). Even back then, all the communities around the Fort wanted a part of it, and wanted it closed. Well, they got their collective wish, resulting in an economic downturn in the area. Now here we are in the 21st Century. As a veteran on this Memorial Day weekend, it tears my heart out to see all of the buildings and the military history of Fort Ord bulldozed. 


Please honor the 2 million military members who gave you all so much of themselves over the decades. Please preserve some of the history, and that should include some buildings and the open space as it has existed over many years. I am now an old man, and my heart and soul is at Fort Ord and the memory of so many friends that left Fort Ord and never came home again. Those kids never got to go to college, have a family, a career or have children. We can still preserve some historic buildings, the land and still enjoy the changes that the future will certainly bring. - Truck | via Web


Weight of Water


I received a notice saying due to increased cost of services that rates need to be increased. If that is really the case, then the rate increases should be based on usage and not unreasonably burdening the single-resident household. I am tired of supporting freeloaders.


I shouldn’t have to pay the same rate of a household with multiple people. I am not going to comment much on the questionable rate that seems to burden residents over businesses. There was no need for sewage treatment until manufactured chemicals were introduced into our sewage, mainly by industries.


Anyway, the easiest way would base the rate on water usage for residences. This is a rough indicator of occupants and is much fairer than the current system.


It is also ridiculous that I pay more for sewage tax than water usage. I am annoyed that the water company charges a rate for no usage of water, calling it a service fee, and that Monterey Regional Water Pollution Control Agency even charges a sewage tax for an unoccupied residence. At least the water company doesn’t charge if the customer has water service discontinued.


The water company provides low-income discounts. I was told MRWPCA only does discounts for SSI people. - Willard McAtee | Salinas